Sonia Rodriguez Kirk passed peacefully surrounded by her sisters on February 14, 2019 after a long, protracted and valiant battle against pulmonary fibrosis. She was a fighter who remained brave and determined until she took her last breath. Sonia lived a life filled with the love of family and lifelong friends.
She embraced the opportunity to host her famous annual Christmas parties that were always memorable and offered those in attendance the gift of reconnection. Her family and friends travelled from far and wide to attend the yearly celebrations and have the memories to cherish. While she had no children of her own, Sonia nurtured several generations of her family and extended family through her wisdom, dedication and her strong work ethic.
Without hesitation she would open her home and heart to them and her generous spirit was a blessing to many. Sonia was born March 17,1941 in Puerto Rico. Her family, which included her seven siblings, resided in Utah and New York and ultimately settled in Beltsville, Maryland.
Following graduation from high school, Sonia was employed by GEICO at their corporate headquarters in Chevy Chase, MD. During her 36 year tenure with the company she held numerous positions including database management and computer analyst. Sonia was able to obtain her associates degree in business.
Her commitment to her career included the challenge and success of pursuing her bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland. Sonia tackled the return to the classroom as an adult with enthusiasm and fortitude. With her family providing moral support, college algebra did not defeat her and she continued to work towards this personal and professional goal until her retirement.
Sonia will be fondly remembered for her beautiful smile, infectious laugh, unwaivering Catholic faith, attention to detail, laudable frugality and love for her family and friends. She loved to travel and enjoyed visiting Puerto Rico, Israel, Italy, Germany, Mexico and Canada. She embraced the chance to spend time with friends and family during the summer in Ocean City, MD.
The family would like to extend their most heartfelt gratitude for the care Sonia received from the Season’s hospice team. They truly provided empathetic care at the end of Sonia’s life and provided comfort that allowed her a peaceful, dignified and gracious passing. Sonia was preceded in death by her mother Teresa and her brothers Frank and Reuben Rodriguez.
She is survived by her siblings Irma Guzman, Tony Rodriguez, Albert Rodriguez, Silvia Riley and Carmen Davis. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. Sonia will also be missed by a multitude of lifelong friends that she considered family.
Family requests that in lieu of flowers that contributions be made in Sonia’s honor to St Joseph’s Catholic Church 11007 Montgomery Road, Beltsville, MD 20705. It would be a tribute to Sonia’s steadfast faith in God and commitment to her parish family.
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